Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1887-06-24
RUTH WALDROM.
by i. II. SPENCER.


Tho events recorded in this story oe-
Cured in Virginia in the latter part Of the
seventeenth century, when the cold
Dominion" was still a wilderness, and the
abode Of wild beasts and savages.
II was calm and beautiful night in
October. I'm the center of on Indian viii
lagc, full thirty miles from the settlement
Of Jamestown, was o young man bound
securely 10 tree. He could not have
seen over twenty summers; but even that
time had been sufficient to develop in his
frame and features the strong stamp of
manhood He was over six feet in height,
with broad shoulders, muscular and we'll
formed limbs, showing an abundance of
physical strength and nerve, and an easy
carriage. Ills face was considerably dark
ened from much exposure to the rays of
fEhe sun and the beatings Of the storm; his
eyes were Of dark gray color, and his
abundant, curly, dark brown hair and
beard was as fine and glossy as silk.
The young man was habited in a hunters
garb, consisting Of light-blue shirt of
stout linon stuff, which was secured about
the waist by leathern belt. A pair of
deerskin legengs, laced at the sides,
pair of moccasins, and q light fur cap
completed his attire. AS we find him now
NE is leaning against the tree TO which he is
securely bound by stout deerskin thongs,
while his eyes are bent upon the ground at
his feet Such is a picture of Reuben
Hayes, who was captured at sunset by a
party of savases; and tomorrow he is to
die horrible death by torture.
The bright harvest moon was nearing the
zenith, and The village was wrapt in SUM
Der, when The sound of footstep APP
preaching him caused him to look up. A
young and beautiful girl, arraycd in the
Indian costume, and carrying a bundle in
her hand, stood before him.
"Hist!" said she, i'll English. II have come
TO sayo you.
"Ah, do you speak English?" he whis-
pered. in the same language.
eyes," she replied, as she proceeded to
cut the thongs that bound him. cit is my
native tongue.
"But how came you here?" he asked.
IL was captured by the Indians six years
ago, when 1 was 10 years old. and have
lived here ever SINCE" replied the girl.
"But we are wasting time. If you will dis
guise yourself with these Indian garments
7 have brought you, you can easily pass the
sertinels."
"But you do not wish to remain here?'
said Reuben. "You will come with me?"
at would only endanger us both if
should attempt to leave the village with
you Tonight" said the girl. IL would be
recognized by the sentinels, of which there
isan extra force tonight. If you would
help me, be at the little spring near the
river at midnight, week hence. can
easily steal away from the old squaw, who
is my keeper, then, and meet you"
II will be there" said Reuben, as he
donned the disguise the girl had brought
him. "l5ut before go I must know the
name Of her who has saved me-"
Ruth Waldron is my true name," said
tho girl; "but among the Indians L am
known as "The WhteLily. In two more
moons l am to become the squaw of
Ensenore, the chief of this village. I pre-
fer death to such fate! Oh, sin you will
save me2 But it is time you we're gone.
IL will save you. Reuben Hayes was
never known to break his word" replied
he; and moment later he had safely
passed the sentinels and was making his
way through tho forest. in the direction OF
the jamestown colony.
The story Of the fair captive had strongly
excited his sympathy, and her sweet face
had made deep impression upon his
imagination, and he longed, with an impa-
tience he could hardly control, to be again
by her side. He was also fearful lest harm
should befall her during his absence.
After her meeting with Reuben
Hayes Ruth worked with a lighte,
heart and renewed strength, helping the
squaws bring in tho scanty harvest from
the fields. Another week would change
her surroundings entirely. She could
hardly realize it. Could it be possible thai
she was SO soon to leave the scene of he,
trying life of captivity behind her? But
what if he should not return? Her story
may have interested him at the time, even
aroused his sympathies; but afterwards
it was but natural he should, on returning
to his friends, forget all about her and her
misery. What did she know of him2 They
had met but once; still her belief in him
was strong. though wavoring at the same